Persistent Digital Identifiers (UIDs)
ORCID :
0000-0002-1452-5719
Subject Area
Biological Oceanography, Marine Ecology
Fisheries, Aquaculture
Molecular Biology
Activities
My interest in invertebrates and symbiotic organisms began during my undergraduate studies at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. Since then, I have built a career in parasitology and marine invertebrate ecology, combining research, teaching, and community engagement.
I earned my PhD summa cum laude in 2014 from the University of Pannonia, Hungary, on the molecular and morphological diversity of parasitic myxosporeans. During my Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, I helped develop new methods for managing parasitic infestations in European catfish, including improved sampling techniques.
Currently, my research focuses on marine invertebrate settlement patterns on typhoon-impacted reefs using metabarcoding (NGS) technology, contributing to our understanding of reef recovery. I have described more than ten new myxosporean species in Malaysia and Portugal and contributed to the Horizon2020 ParaFish Control project (in research paper).
Beyond research, I lead community-based coral reef restoration initiatives, producing a Coral Reef Restoration Handbook and working with local communities and organizations such as SEAFDEC to bridge science, conservation, and policy.
I remain committed to advancing marine parasitology and ecosystem studies through impactful collaborations and science-driven community engagement.
Skills
I bring a well-rounded skill set that integrates laboratory expertise, field-based research, and community engagement to advance marine science and conservation. My background allows me to bridge fundamental research with applied initiatives, while also fostering broader public understanding of marine ecosystems.
Professional skills include:
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Molecular biology & taxonomy – Proficient in applying molecular techniques for parasite and invertebrate identification, genetic diversity studies, and molecular systematics.
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Field ecology – Experienced in designing and conducting ecological studies on marine invertebrates, with strong capabilities in ecological data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
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Scientific diving – Experienced in scientific diving for field-based surveys, benthic assessments, and in situ experimental work.
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Outreach & education – Skilled in developing and implementing citizen science programs, community awareness campaigns, and educational initiatives that connect scientific research with conservation practices and policy awareness.